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Much like the continual assertion that lockdown WILL be bad for mental health, the repeated refrain that Christmas is ruined or cancelled is harmful.
Similarly assuming being alone must be dreadful.
Of course we must recognise the disappointment and inconvenience. But speaking as one who in general doesn't react well to sudden changes of plan, coming as quickly as possible to a place of acceptance of what is, & finding a new best possible plan is more conducive to happiness
Dwelling on and raging against what isn't, what can't be changed, for too long, ruins our chances of salvaging something out of the whole affair. Stands for life, but even more so with a time limited event.
(Of course that is another point. Unless your Christmas is religious, the same gathering can be had another time. When we feel it is safe, we will meet, hug, exchange gifts, eat a slap up meal. Maybe it with become a new tradition)
But for now, I'm trying to think about what I can do to make it as good as possible. And not to dwell on my regrets and fears. Of course it helps that both my parents and I feel we are protecting each other through doing this.
We never thought that the loosening of restrictions at Christmas was a good idea so weren't going to make use. So I've been getting used to the idea a while.
I would never forgive myself if I went over, and gave them something that killed them. They have underlying issues. And they feel the same about me. They probably are more of a risk to me, they see friends sometimes, they live in a city.
So Christmas is just us 2, same as all year. No pub, no cinema, no singing in the square. Which is a shame but I wouldn't feel safe in those environments. I might go, because I'd feel obliged. But I would be a mess of anxiety which would ruin everything
So it's fairy lights, tree, tinsel, baubles, music, baking, films, chocolate, booze, and whatever i can get to cook on Christmas day.
Small or solitary Christmases might not be your first choice, but they have their up sides. Not having to do anything you only normally do for other people, or tradition, that you Don't like or Don't care about. Make your own rules, your own new traditions.
If there are a few of you, ask everyone what one (possible) thing do they want out of the day to make it special? What do they want to eat? Do they want to go for a walk? Have everyone play a specific game? Have someone else cook? Spend an hour in the bath? Wear a onesie all day?
Or have lunch in the evening in fancy dress, eating dessert first. Watching Lord of the Rings all day. Whatever. It's yours. And connect with those you love in whatever ways you can. Share photos, videos, play long distance sharades.
If you don't have anyone to connect with, come here, to twitter. There are lots of people happy to be your Christmas chums, many in similar circumstances. You can have a great Christmas. It might not be the best, gold star Christmas, but it could be a silvery tinsel second.
